Barnstonworth Roves F.C. 1 Greek-American Atlas 3
The Rovers failed to revenge their cup exit, falling 3-1 to the Greeks at Pier 40. It was almost an exact repeat. Rovers making the running, the chances, scoring a wrongly disallowed equalizer in the 2nd half, and Atlas going home with the points. After a bright start where Pugli had the opening chance, the Greeks scored from – yet another – direct free kick that fooled Broach. Rovers 0-1.
Andy quickly pulled the Firsts level after a screaming volley to the far post. Rovers 1-1
Before the Rovers could convert a second time, Greeks – you guessed it – scored a second direct free kick. This time a much better executed one, over the wall in the near post. Rovers 1-2.
Rovers, true to form, worked hard to spring Pugli on the left side of the eighteen and slid home the equalizer. Rovers 2-2 ? Well no, this is vs the Greeks, the equalizer never counts. Promptly the linesman, after consultation, signaled the goal off, and restored world order.
And just before the half, with the Rovers still pondering the situation, Atlas scored again after a quick counter, the ball going from one end of the eighteen to the other before it a final criss-crossed shot hit the far side netting. Rovers 1-3.
The second half saw the Rovers push, although mostly without conviction. Colin struck an incredible side 2 footed volley after a Randi corner that would have been goal of the decade, only for the keeper to somehow parry it for a corner. Then Pugli had a ball come across the area but his effort was blocked by a last minute sliding defender. Andy had cut in from the right had a screamer well saved and Oren had the ball reach him inside the penalty spot to the left but the keeper did well on the finish as well.
As it ended, the Rovers stayed in 7th place and can start to built for a return to the top four next season.
Team: Dave Borchard, Jon Nessa, Mark Kushemba, Andrew George, Vidar Ekehaug, Einar Benedktsson, Oren Nhaissi, Colin Marshall, Stephen Pugliese, Andy Abramovits, Stephen Pugliese. Subs (all played): Sam Minaya, Alfonzo Nanclares, Yuri Krym, Michael Martocci
Friday, May 29, 2009
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Result: Firsts 5/17 vs Froscinone
Froscinone S.C. 1 Barnstonworth Rovers F.C. 3
The Rovers experience counted the most as they fought to a deserved 3 points vs relegation rivals Froscinone. It was a do or die match for the opponents, and the outcome also largely controlled idle Iberia’s, and Kickers’ fates. The Rover win relegated the previously undefeated in the spring Froscinone, and only one of the other two will return to the 1st division next season. It was a loss of Froscinone’s player’s discipline midway through the 2nd half that irrevocably turned the tide. An unnecessary clumsy hard tackle at Oren earned the perpetrator a 2nd bookable offense and contemned his side to D2.
The Rovers dominated early on, and once again should have put the result beyond doubt, but did not. Andy missed from close range, Pugli’s and Jordi’s efforts were miraculously saved from the goalkeeper and Colin could have easily scored inside the six. Finally in the 35th min, Oren played Pugli through the middle, Pugli collected, rounded the keeper and finished with aplomb. Rovers 1-0.
It all looked to easy as the Rovers continued to create chances and miss them to the end of the half. With the restart for the second match in a row, the complexion changed. A first minute turnover in the middle of the pitch led to a free kick – a season long flash danger point - just inside the Rover D. The first attempt hit the wall, the ball bounced kindly for Froscinone’s one man strike force and he hit the back of the net. Rovers 1-1.
The next 10 mins were nerve-racking. Froscinone took control and twice broke down the Rover defense. The first, a difficult header was bravely parried by Broach against the bar and onto safety. The second, Broach saved from inside the six, and the rebound struck the upright versus the open net. The tie was sufficient for the Rovers and for Froscinone, but as the Rovers regained composure and reverted to controlling possession and tempo Froscinone’s inexperience showed. Moments after the rush challenge that reduced them to 10 men, Randi put a speculative ball behind their defense that was held up just enough by the wind. Pugli beat everyone including the onrushing keeper and headed it over him and into the open goal. Rovers 1-2.
Froscinone was mentally done and already relegated. Jordi finished them off with an exquisite finish from the exact same spot that a similar strike last week would have earned the Rovers extra time and possibly a place in the NY State Cup final. Rovers 3-1.
Marto, playing against his old club for the 1st time and had an injury time chance to add to his Reserve team hattrick for what would have been a perfect ending.
The Rovers now are assured of a top half finished, whether it will be 5th, 6th or 7th will be determined in the rematch vs the Greeks at Pier 40 next week.
Team: Dave Borchard, Jon Nessa, Mark Kushemba, Andrew George, Vidar Ekehaug, Einar Benedktsson, Oren Nhaissi, Colin Marshall, Stephen Pugliese, Andy Abramovits, Stephen Pugliese. Subs (all played): Randi Lee, Sam Minaya, Yuri Krym, Alex Cruz, Michael Martocci
The Rovers experience counted the most as they fought to a deserved 3 points vs relegation rivals Froscinone. It was a do or die match for the opponents, and the outcome also largely controlled idle Iberia’s, and Kickers’ fates. The Rover win relegated the previously undefeated in the spring Froscinone, and only one of the other two will return to the 1st division next season. It was a loss of Froscinone’s player’s discipline midway through the 2nd half that irrevocably turned the tide. An unnecessary clumsy hard tackle at Oren earned the perpetrator a 2nd bookable offense and contemned his side to D2.
The Rovers dominated early on, and once again should have put the result beyond doubt, but did not. Andy missed from close range, Pugli’s and Jordi’s efforts were miraculously saved from the goalkeeper and Colin could have easily scored inside the six. Finally in the 35th min, Oren played Pugli through the middle, Pugli collected, rounded the keeper and finished with aplomb. Rovers 1-0.
It all looked to easy as the Rovers continued to create chances and miss them to the end of the half. With the restart for the second match in a row, the complexion changed. A first minute turnover in the middle of the pitch led to a free kick – a season long flash danger point - just inside the Rover D. The first attempt hit the wall, the ball bounced kindly for Froscinone’s one man strike force and he hit the back of the net. Rovers 1-1.
The next 10 mins were nerve-racking. Froscinone took control and twice broke down the Rover defense. The first, a difficult header was bravely parried by Broach against the bar and onto safety. The second, Broach saved from inside the six, and the rebound struck the upright versus the open net. The tie was sufficient for the Rovers and for Froscinone, but as the Rovers regained composure and reverted to controlling possession and tempo Froscinone’s inexperience showed. Moments after the rush challenge that reduced them to 10 men, Randi put a speculative ball behind their defense that was held up just enough by the wind. Pugli beat everyone including the onrushing keeper and headed it over him and into the open goal. Rovers 1-2.
Froscinone was mentally done and already relegated. Jordi finished them off with an exquisite finish from the exact same spot that a similar strike last week would have earned the Rovers extra time and possibly a place in the NY State Cup final. Rovers 3-1.
Marto, playing against his old club for the 1st time and had an injury time chance to add to his Reserve team hattrick for what would have been a perfect ending.
The Rovers now are assured of a top half finished, whether it will be 5th, 6th or 7th will be determined in the rematch vs the Greeks at Pier 40 next week.
Team: Dave Borchard, Jon Nessa, Mark Kushemba, Andrew George, Vidar Ekehaug, Einar Benedktsson, Oren Nhaissi, Colin Marshall, Stephen Pugliese, Andy Abramovits, Stephen Pugliese. Subs (all played): Randi Lee, Sam Minaya, Yuri Krym, Alex Cruz, Michael Martocci
Result: Reserves 5/17 vs Froscinone
Froscinone Res 4 Barnstonworth Rovers Res 5
Incredible as it sounds, the Reserves hit rock bottom just before kick-off. An all time low of 7 players were left by late cancellations and no-shows to try and take a point they desperately wanted to avoid the stigma of finishing in the bottom three of the Reserves table. It was Austin’s last match for the Rovers before his anticipated return to his home California. Cruzie volunteered for and had a stellar performance in the nets. Froscinone started with 11, but gallantly reduced their number to 10 saving one for the all important 1st team match. The Reserves defended with furor, and even had a couple of chances at getting one. The held for 15 min before conceding and went at the half trailing by only 2 !
In the meantime, Yuri and Sam arrived early for the 1st team encounter and Felix found his way to the Oval, and the Reserves resumed with 10 for the 2nd half. Froscinone now sported the full compliment. But against a most determined Rovers playing good football for a change, they were no match. Austin got the first with a weird but effective finish. Rovers 1-2.
Then Marto who gallantly played left back all half, took matters personally against his old teammates. He tied it for the Rovers with a slot at the far post. Rovers 2-2.
He continued by notching them ahead with a good finish. Rovers 3-2.
Yuri made it 4-2, before the Rovers quickly conceded for 4-3.
With the teams tiring, Marto struck again to complete his hattrick with a few minutes left, and a meaningless goal from Froscinone ended the scoring. Rovers 5-4.
Amazingly, even with playing with 7 an entire half, the Reserves got the 3 points for their pride, but the showing signals wholesale changes in the side for next season.
Team: Alex Cruz, Michael Martucci, Stefan Lysak, Stavros Zomopoulos, Stash Rutkowski, Austin Harris, Simon Caton, Felix D’Ambrose, Yuri Krym, Sam Minaya
Incredible as it sounds, the Reserves hit rock bottom just before kick-off. An all time low of 7 players were left by late cancellations and no-shows to try and take a point they desperately wanted to avoid the stigma of finishing in the bottom three of the Reserves table. It was Austin’s last match for the Rovers before his anticipated return to his home California. Cruzie volunteered for and had a stellar performance in the nets. Froscinone started with 11, but gallantly reduced their number to 10 saving one for the all important 1st team match. The Reserves defended with furor, and even had a couple of chances at getting one. The held for 15 min before conceding and went at the half trailing by only 2 !
In the meantime, Yuri and Sam arrived early for the 1st team encounter and Felix found his way to the Oval, and the Reserves resumed with 10 for the 2nd half. Froscinone now sported the full compliment. But against a most determined Rovers playing good football for a change, they were no match. Austin got the first with a weird but effective finish. Rovers 1-2.
Then Marto who gallantly played left back all half, took matters personally against his old teammates. He tied it for the Rovers with a slot at the far post. Rovers 2-2.
He continued by notching them ahead with a good finish. Rovers 3-2.
Yuri made it 4-2, before the Rovers quickly conceded for 4-3.
With the teams tiring, Marto struck again to complete his hattrick with a few minutes left, and a meaningless goal from Froscinone ended the scoring. Rovers 5-4.
Amazingly, even with playing with 7 an entire half, the Reserves got the 3 points for their pride, but the showing signals wholesale changes in the side for next season.
Team: Alex Cruz, Michael Martucci, Stefan Lysak, Stavros Zomopoulos, Stash Rutkowski, Austin Harris, Simon Caton, Felix D’Ambrose, Yuri Krym, Sam Minaya
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Rovers Ladies score a combined 7 goals & Take all 6 points by Nicolas
On a Sunday that started at 9 am and finished at 11 pm, the ladies from Rovers 1 and R2D2 played high quality soccer and won their games emphatically.
In its last official game of the season, Rovers 1 showed both depth and skills to defeat the League winner, the New York Magic Reserve, 4-0, thereby securing a well deserved third place overall in the tables. On her birthday, Louise Ostman opened the score with her 6th goals of the Spring in just five games. After erasing two defenders on her own, Louise took on the goalie, glided past her dive and finished her movement by placing the ball neatly in from the right side. Next came Jennifer's North on a beautiful header for the second and a brilliant strike from the left side of the box for the third. The scored was sealed by Natalie Rudd who beat the goalie with a pinpoint lob from inside the box.
It was a great way to finish a difficult season for Rovers 1. We'll get on with recruiting for next season as soon as possible to make sure we have again a full roster and we can strive to even better results. Call to all of you and your contacts, we need an experienced goalie!
R2D2 took on the Sirens at 9 pm at Pier 40 in a high stake game. A solid team, the Sirens are always dangerous and R2D2 had never won against them at Pier 40 before (we lost on penalty shoot out in the Cup and lost in the League in the 2007 season). This was the day R2D2 broke the curse though. Within minutes of kick off, possession was for us and just 5 minutes in the game, Kerri Sanders volleyd in from close range a somptuous cross from Emily Keber, making it her 11th goal of the season. Despite making most of the play and excellent ball circulation all around the field, we had to wait for the second half to find another gap in the otherwise excellent Sirens' defense. First, after a good combination of passes from the back, Emily sent Kristen Jefferson with the perfect assist through the middle, Kristen used her speed to beat the defender holding her and cooly scored it passed the goalie. Ten minutes later, Bridget Caster managed to make the best of a scrambled situation at the edge of the goal of the Sirens to put her feet on the ball first and push it in for the third and last goals. Final score 3-0.
At the risk of sounding like a broken record, R2D2 is now at 13 league wins in a row, having not lost since September 14th. It is however a very competitive league this year and with 2 games left, R2D2 still needs 4 points to secure the title and 3 for a play off game. Both coming games (June 7th and June 14th) will be difficult ones and R2D2 will take them one at a time, making sure we have fun first and foremost.
Nicolas and Omar
In its last official game of the season, Rovers 1 showed both depth and skills to defeat the League winner, the New York Magic Reserve, 4-0, thereby securing a well deserved third place overall in the tables. On her birthday, Louise Ostman opened the score with her 6th goals of the Spring in just five games. After erasing two defenders on her own, Louise took on the goalie, glided past her dive and finished her movement by placing the ball neatly in from the right side. Next came Jennifer's North on a beautiful header for the second and a brilliant strike from the left side of the box for the third. The scored was sealed by Natalie Rudd who beat the goalie with a pinpoint lob from inside the box.
It was a great way to finish a difficult season for Rovers 1. We'll get on with recruiting for next season as soon as possible to make sure we have again a full roster and we can strive to even better results. Call to all of you and your contacts, we need an experienced goalie!
R2D2 took on the Sirens at 9 pm at Pier 40 in a high stake game. A solid team, the Sirens are always dangerous and R2D2 had never won against them at Pier 40 before (we lost on penalty shoot out in the Cup and lost in the League in the 2007 season). This was the day R2D2 broke the curse though. Within minutes of kick off, possession was for us and just 5 minutes in the game, Kerri Sanders volleyd in from close range a somptuous cross from Emily Keber, making it her 11th goal of the season. Despite making most of the play and excellent ball circulation all around the field, we had to wait for the second half to find another gap in the otherwise excellent Sirens' defense. First, after a good combination of passes from the back, Emily sent Kristen Jefferson with the perfect assist through the middle, Kristen used her speed to beat the defender holding her and cooly scored it passed the goalie. Ten minutes later, Bridget Caster managed to make the best of a scrambled situation at the edge of the goal of the Sirens to put her feet on the ball first and push it in for the third and last goals. Final score 3-0.
At the risk of sounding like a broken record, R2D2 is now at 13 league wins in a row, having not lost since September 14th. It is however a very competitive league this year and with 2 games left, R2D2 still needs 4 points to secure the title and 3 for a play off game. Both coming games (June 7th and June 14th) will be difficult ones and R2D2 will take them one at a time, making sure we have fun first and foremost.
Nicolas and Omar
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Result: Old Boys' 5/17/09 by Sheero
Barnstonworth Old Boys - 0 BW Gottschee - 1
The Old Boys had one final opportunity on Sunday to guarantee promotion to the 1st Division with just a point required, but blew it. Our only remaining hope is that Gottschee fail to get anything from their final game against Banatul - which would be a shock in all honesty.
Several absences and injuries meant we fielded a somewhat weakened team, but with the 12 players we had Gottschee is still a team we should be able to beat. We played nervously throughout - maybe if a win had been required, we'd have played with more purpose.
The defence played solidly, and it was a single mistake late in the 2nd half that let Gottschee in to score from a very fortunate looping shot off a shin. It seemed the gods were against us. The last 15 minutes was all BOB, but we couldn't carve any clear chances. We were awarded a late penalty, and some might consider that to be a clear chance, but we were something like 0 for 4 from the spot this season and our record wasn’t about to improve. Next season, I'm f*cking taking them myself - I can miss them as well as anyone else.
An immensely disappointing end to a season which promised so much (playoffs may follow, but they're essentially meaningless). It was quite a remarkable turn-around in form for a team who didn't lose until their 13th game of the season and then went on to get 1 point from their last four games. One more point from any of those games would have secured promotion for us.
Depressed? You betcha.
The Old Boys had one final opportunity on Sunday to guarantee promotion to the 1st Division with just a point required, but blew it. Our only remaining hope is that Gottschee fail to get anything from their final game against Banatul - which would be a shock in all honesty.
Several absences and injuries meant we fielded a somewhat weakened team, but with the 12 players we had Gottschee is still a team we should be able to beat. We played nervously throughout - maybe if a win had been required, we'd have played with more purpose.
The defence played solidly, and it was a single mistake late in the 2nd half that let Gottschee in to score from a very fortunate looping shot off a shin. It seemed the gods were against us. The last 15 minutes was all BOB, but we couldn't carve any clear chances. We were awarded a late penalty, and some might consider that to be a clear chance, but we were something like 0 for 4 from the spot this season and our record wasn’t about to improve. Next season, I'm f*cking taking them myself - I can miss them as well as anyone else.
An immensely disappointing end to a season which promised so much (playoffs may follow, but they're essentially meaningless). It was quite a remarkable turn-around in form for a team who didn't lose until their 13th game of the season and then went on to get 1 point from their last four games. One more point from any of those games would have secured promotion for us.
Depressed? You betcha.
Monday, May 18, 2009
BRFC Premier o30 Match Report 5/17/09 by Kevin O'Donovan
Barnstonworth Premier 0 Pele Masters 3
Kaiser Field
In a match that determined who was the champion of our division, we were thoroughly beaten by the current league champions Pele Masters. In the first half against a strong wind, we defended well only giving up one goal which came from a rocket of a strike that left Kevin no chance. We figured our time would come with the wind at our backs in the second half but it was not to be. Instead it was Pele that maintained control and continued to press, scoring their second and then their third goal after we pushed forward to no avail. Neither goal was anything special, more the result of sustained pressure throughout the half. Our best chance came in the first half when Peter ran through the middle, played a nice one-two with Nedgy and Peter's effort sailed over the bar after pressure from the Pele keeper. After that, we may have had 1 or 2 other shots on goal and only a single corner kick, where Carl came close with his header.
Despite having lost 3 of our last 4 matches, the fact is, the past is now irrelevant. Our 12-4-0 record was good enough to earn us a spot in the 4 team playoff that determines the league champions. We'll play NY Dinamo while Pele Masters will play the Manhattan Kickers in the other semi-final.
Finally, muchas gracias to former Rover hitman Hernan Paredes who came out to play for us while he was back visiting from Florida.
Squad: Kevin, Robbie, Will, Carl, Andy, Maurice, Mo, Lex, Jazzy, Peter, Pompey, Marlon, Chivon, Nedgy, Adrian, Hernan
Kaiser Field
In a match that determined who was the champion of our division, we were thoroughly beaten by the current league champions Pele Masters. In the first half against a strong wind, we defended well only giving up one goal which came from a rocket of a strike that left Kevin no chance. We figured our time would come with the wind at our backs in the second half but it was not to be. Instead it was Pele that maintained control and continued to press, scoring their second and then their third goal after we pushed forward to no avail. Neither goal was anything special, more the result of sustained pressure throughout the half. Our best chance came in the first half when Peter ran through the middle, played a nice one-two with Nedgy and Peter's effort sailed over the bar after pressure from the Pele keeper. After that, we may have had 1 or 2 other shots on goal and only a single corner kick, where Carl came close with his header.
Despite having lost 3 of our last 4 matches, the fact is, the past is now irrelevant. Our 12-4-0 record was good enough to earn us a spot in the 4 team playoff that determines the league champions. We'll play NY Dinamo while Pele Masters will play the Manhattan Kickers in the other semi-final.
Finally, muchas gracias to former Rover hitman Hernan Paredes who came out to play for us while he was back visiting from Florida.
Squad: Kevin, Robbie, Will, Carl, Andy, Maurice, Mo, Lex, Jazzy, Peter, Pompey, Marlon, Chivon, Nedgy, Adrian, Hernan
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Result: Firsts 5/10/09 NY State Cup Semi
Barnstonworth Rovers F.C. 2 Greek American Atlas 3
For 55 minutes the Rovers were on their way to the NY State Cup Final. A beautifully developed attack in the opening 10 min of the match, stroking it around for possession in the middle of the pitch, then releasing Jordi deep in the flank; he drove the telling cross to the far post for Colin to finish on a diving header put the Rovers 1-0 up and dominating tempo and chances. But a disastrous 15 min spell allowed some of the undoubted Atlas individual quality to convert 3 times and turn the match. The outcome would have certainly been different if the Rovers’ tying strike at 2-2 had correctly stood. Jordi cut into the inside, timed his run inside the defender to perfection, where he received Einar’s pass and turned to goal at the penalty spot while the entire GA defense wrongly pleaded for offside. With time to spare and only the dumbfounded keeper to beat Jordi’s strike somehow looked as it was going wide of the far post. Pugli following the play in, slid 5 yards and poked the ball in at the far post. As the ref had already turned to point to the centre circle, the assistant raised his flag, later claiming “delayed offside” – that Pugli started the action, before Jordi originally received the ball, on an offside position !!!
Still, the Rovers regained control, and Colin got his second with 15 minutes to spare, before the Rovers, in almost complete domination, created and missed 4 clear chances to force extra time. The first, when Andy got to the by-line near the six, cut the ball back where both Randi and Pugli slid but both somehow failed to prode the ball past the keeper. Then, Pugli running in alone to the far post, received a dropping cross. The keeper in no-man’s land, Pugli’s unnecessarily acrobatic volley uncharacteristically missed the target. Next, Nessa won the header on the far post, beating the stranded keeper, the looping ball bounced inside the six, but the Rovers could not push it past the goal line before the keeper recovered. Arguably, their best chance was their last. The ball moved from left to right, from Sam to Colin, to Pugli to Jordi who slid it to Alex. With acres of space, inside the penalty spot and without a defender in sight, only the goalkeeper staring at him from the middle of his goal, Alex’s stuttered finish looked more like a pass back.
The Rovers could have ensured their progression in the first half against the all PDL player side. Andy missed from close range at 1-0 as did Oren. Pugli just failed to connect on a couple of balls in the area. With Broaches incredible save from close range on super-scorer Josh Trott, and after forcing DC United’s Guy-Roland Kpene to hit the top of the cross bar from a dangerous spot, another Rover strike would have likely settled matters.
As it ended, the Rovers missed, for the third time, to qualify to the championship match, and their best chance yet for a historic first top tier trophy.
Next week, back to the most important business, securing the clubs 1st Division league status vs Froscinone.
Team: Dave Borchard, Jon Nessa, Vidar Ekehaug, Andrew George, Mark Kushemba, Oren Nhaissi, Colin Marshall, Einar Benedtksson, Jordan Chirico, Andy Abramovits, Stephen Pugliese. Subs (all played) Randi Lee, Alfonzo Nanclares, Sam Minaya, Alex Cruz
For 55 minutes the Rovers were on their way to the NY State Cup Final. A beautifully developed attack in the opening 10 min of the match, stroking it around for possession in the middle of the pitch, then releasing Jordi deep in the flank; he drove the telling cross to the far post for Colin to finish on a diving header put the Rovers 1-0 up and dominating tempo and chances. But a disastrous 15 min spell allowed some of the undoubted Atlas individual quality to convert 3 times and turn the match. The outcome would have certainly been different if the Rovers’ tying strike at 2-2 had correctly stood. Jordi cut into the inside, timed his run inside the defender to perfection, where he received Einar’s pass and turned to goal at the penalty spot while the entire GA defense wrongly pleaded for offside. With time to spare and only the dumbfounded keeper to beat Jordi’s strike somehow looked as it was going wide of the far post. Pugli following the play in, slid 5 yards and poked the ball in at the far post. As the ref had already turned to point to the centre circle, the assistant raised his flag, later claiming “delayed offside” – that Pugli started the action, before Jordi originally received the ball, on an offside position !!!
Still, the Rovers regained control, and Colin got his second with 15 minutes to spare, before the Rovers, in almost complete domination, created and missed 4 clear chances to force extra time. The first, when Andy got to the by-line near the six, cut the ball back where both Randi and Pugli slid but both somehow failed to prode the ball past the keeper. Then, Pugli running in alone to the far post, received a dropping cross. The keeper in no-man’s land, Pugli’s unnecessarily acrobatic volley uncharacteristically missed the target. Next, Nessa won the header on the far post, beating the stranded keeper, the looping ball bounced inside the six, but the Rovers could not push it past the goal line before the keeper recovered. Arguably, their best chance was their last. The ball moved from left to right, from Sam to Colin, to Pugli to Jordi who slid it to Alex. With acres of space, inside the penalty spot and without a defender in sight, only the goalkeeper staring at him from the middle of his goal, Alex’s stuttered finish looked more like a pass back.
The Rovers could have ensured their progression in the first half against the all PDL player side. Andy missed from close range at 1-0 as did Oren. Pugli just failed to connect on a couple of balls in the area. With Broaches incredible save from close range on super-scorer Josh Trott, and after forcing DC United’s Guy-Roland Kpene to hit the top of the cross bar from a dangerous spot, another Rover strike would have likely settled matters.
As it ended, the Rovers missed, for the third time, to qualify to the championship match, and their best chance yet for a historic first top tier trophy.
Next week, back to the most important business, securing the clubs 1st Division league status vs Froscinone.
Team: Dave Borchard, Jon Nessa, Vidar Ekehaug, Andrew George, Mark Kushemba, Oren Nhaissi, Colin Marshall, Einar Benedtksson, Jordan Chirico, Andy Abramovits, Stephen Pugliese. Subs (all played) Randi Lee, Alfonzo Nanclares, Sam Minaya, Alex Cruz
Result: Reserves 5/10/09
Barnstonworth Reserves 1 Greek American Reserves 4
Before the cup match 8 players - yes 8 – 5 Reserves, Zach the 3rds keeper and 2 players from the Premier over 30’s that had just arrived from their loss to the Greeks in the o’30’s division started and battled to a 2-0 deficit at halftime. They should have even got 1 or 2 goals had Austin and Yannick finished their clear cut chances. With a full completed in the 2nd half, the Rovers – a bad remnant of the team that competed for 2 successive league championships the last 2 seasons - pushed but could not muster enough quality to change the result. Yuri scored the Rovers consolation.
Team: Zach Rubin, Bobby Hanifin, Stefan Lysak, Stavros Zomopoulos, Michael Martocci, Austin Harris, Robby Davis, Jazzy Zint, Subs in: Yannick James, Yuri Krym, Zach Chandis, Sam Minaya.
Before the cup match 8 players - yes 8 – 5 Reserves, Zach the 3rds keeper and 2 players from the Premier over 30’s that had just arrived from their loss to the Greeks in the o’30’s division started and battled to a 2-0 deficit at halftime. They should have even got 1 or 2 goals had Austin and Yannick finished their clear cut chances. With a full completed in the 2nd half, the Rovers – a bad remnant of the team that competed for 2 successive league championships the last 2 seasons - pushed but could not muster enough quality to change the result. Yuri scored the Rovers consolation.
Team: Zach Rubin, Bobby Hanifin, Stefan Lysak, Stavros Zomopoulos, Michael Martocci, Austin Harris, Robby Davis, Jazzy Zint, Subs in: Yannick James, Yuri Krym, Zach Chandis, Sam Minaya.
R2D2 takes yet another 3 points home on Mother's day - by Nicolas
R2D2 Ladies 3 Appletown 0.
The unexpected sun largely made up for the early start on Sunday, though it didn't make up for numbers. For the first time in the season, due to a couple of last minute cancellations, R2D2 was short. Short of 2 players at kick off but then soon to be birthday girl Courtney made it to the game still drunk (as in still too drunk to call it hangover) to deliver a very needed 80 minutes on the field. Lucky us, our opponents were short of one player too and so we went on for a 10 v 10 enjoyable and positive game. The issue was never really in doubt as R2D2 kept possession of the ball and control of the game all along but it still took us quite a bit too much work to manage to score 2 beautiful goals. Emily Keber scored the first in the first half and Sandra Guirguis (in her great come back and soon to be last game with the Rovers) got the second in the second half. Thanks to a couple of great saves from Emily B, our goal kept clean.
12 in a row, 3 games to go for R2D2 with the Sirens at 9 pm at Pier 40 this coming Sunday.
The unexpected sun largely made up for the early start on Sunday, though it didn't make up for numbers. For the first time in the season, due to a couple of last minute cancellations, R2D2 was short. Short of 2 players at kick off but then soon to be birthday girl Courtney made it to the game still drunk (as in still too drunk to call it hangover) to deliver a very needed 80 minutes on the field. Lucky us, our opponents were short of one player too and so we went on for a 10 v 10 enjoyable and positive game. The issue was never really in doubt as R2D2 kept possession of the ball and control of the game all along but it still took us quite a bit too much work to manage to score 2 beautiful goals. Emily Keber scored the first in the first half and Sandra Guirguis (in her great come back and soon to be last game with the Rovers) got the second in the second half. Thanks to a couple of great saves from Emily B, our goal kept clean.
12 in a row, 3 games to go for R2D2 with the Sirens at 9 pm at Pier 40 this coming Sunday.
BRFC Over 30s Result 5/10/09 by Patrick Wisnom
BRFC o30's 1 NY Croatia 0
Zee Bardi 88'
Sunday was a glorious afternoon for football. Great weather. Nice new pitch on Randalls Island. A great day to play. And an entertaining affair requiring a brilliant tactical switch by coach Ben to secure all three points.
It was an intense match highlighted by some intense midfield battles and passionate outbursts from Rovers as the team battled for the full points. First half highlights included Paul hitting a close range effort off the bar and Jason coming very close on two efforts where he beat the keeper only to be denied by the post. Butte returned to action in the first half as our goalkeeper and was rarely called on but did the job on the few occasions he was asked.
The second half was much of the same with Rovers missing some decent chances and emotions still running high. The fortunes of the match changed with the Rovers elder statesman entering the match. Zee, who deserves additional credit for organizing the match this week, leaving in the first half to get water and being the all around great guy he is, made something that seemed so hard for 75 minutes look so easy after being introduced only five minutes earlier. Starting on the right side he handily beat his marker and neatly slipped a shot in to the lower corner of the net giving the goalie no chance. Brilliant goal from a genuine gentleman. Great work Zee.
The game ended shortly there after with few chances for either side. That’s two in a row for the Rovers who look to close out the season next week with three straight wins.
Special thanks to Mackers, Juan and Jason for lending a little extra support on the field and welcome back to the club to Danny Power who has returned to sell his sexy lingerie back in the states.
I forgot to mention one thing, Croatia who were already below us in the standings played the entire match with nine men. But make no mistakes, those nine men were tough, old, slow, unskillful, players we struggled to effectively break down.
The Side: Sven, Mike Alexander, Martino, Ben Taverner, Brandon, Wisnom, Butte, Zee, Paul, Roger, Danny Power, Juan, Jason, Mackers, Jason
Zee Bardi 88'
Sunday was a glorious afternoon for football. Great weather. Nice new pitch on Randalls Island. A great day to play. And an entertaining affair requiring a brilliant tactical switch by coach Ben to secure all three points.
It was an intense match highlighted by some intense midfield battles and passionate outbursts from Rovers as the team battled for the full points. First half highlights included Paul hitting a close range effort off the bar and Jason coming very close on two efforts where he beat the keeper only to be denied by the post. Butte returned to action in the first half as our goalkeeper and was rarely called on but did the job on the few occasions he was asked.
The second half was much of the same with Rovers missing some decent chances and emotions still running high. The fortunes of the match changed with the Rovers elder statesman entering the match. Zee, who deserves additional credit for organizing the match this week, leaving in the first half to get water and being the all around great guy he is, made something that seemed so hard for 75 minutes look so easy after being introduced only five minutes earlier. Starting on the right side he handily beat his marker and neatly slipped a shot in to the lower corner of the net giving the goalie no chance. Brilliant goal from a genuine gentleman. Great work Zee.
The game ended shortly there after with few chances for either side. That’s two in a row for the Rovers who look to close out the season next week with three straight wins.
Special thanks to Mackers, Juan and Jason for lending a little extra support on the field and welcome back to the club to Danny Power who has returned to sell his sexy lingerie back in the states.
I forgot to mention one thing, Croatia who were already below us in the standings played the entire match with nine men. But make no mistakes, those nine men were tough, old, slow, unskillful, players we struggled to effectively break down.
The Side: Sven, Mike Alexander, Martino, Ben Taverner, Brandon, Wisnom, Butte, Zee, Paul, Roger, Danny Power, Juan, Jason, Mackers, Jason
Result: Premier o30's 5/10/09 by Kevin O'Donovan
Greek Americans o'30s 3 - Barnstonworth Premier o30's 1
Duane Pena
The match report is always delayed after a tough loss, ain't it? Two main factors affected the outcome in my opinion. First, there was a collective letdown due to clinching the playoffs the week prior. Second, we had been pushing the envelope most of the Spring with narrow victories against the Guyanas and Croatia. The mostly over-40 Greeks showed us what good football and clinical finishing is all about.
We started well, creating chances and figured it was a matter of time before we got the opener, but instead it was the Greeks who scored first. One of their strikers beat three Rovers and then managed to slip the ball past yours truly after a violent 1v1 that left both players worse for wear. We struggled to find our rhythm for the rest of the half.
In the second half, we came out more determined and soon equalized via Duane who had twice come close in the first half. The keeper saved Duane's first effort but he was able to poke in the rebound. Duane was later hacked down well inside the area, but the ref gave a free kick just outside the box from which we couldn't capitalize. Again though, our over-confidence perhaps got the better of us as we figured the game was ours. Instead it was the Greeks who took the lead for good on quick counter down the left. They always looked for that extra pass across goal rather than taking the lower percentage, narrow-angled shot at the near post. For both their second and third goals, this happened as the goal scorer ghosted in at the back stick to slot home. When it was 2-1, Marlon was unlucky to not equalize from close range, but he was denied by the sprawling Greek keeper.
Ours was not the only slip-up as Pele Masters drew 3-3 away to Silver Lake. To win the division, we'll need to beat Pele for a second time this season and in doing so avoid Dinamo in the first round of the playoffs. That said, the Kickers are no pushovers and whoever wins the league title will have to win two big matches.
Squad: Kevin, Robedinho, Will, Mo, Maurice, Marc, Jazzy, Pompey, Kendall, Duane, Stav, Marlon, Chivon
Duane Pena
The match report is always delayed after a tough loss, ain't it? Two main factors affected the outcome in my opinion. First, there was a collective letdown due to clinching the playoffs the week prior. Second, we had been pushing the envelope most of the Spring with narrow victories against the Guyanas and Croatia. The mostly over-40 Greeks showed us what good football and clinical finishing is all about.
We started well, creating chances and figured it was a matter of time before we got the opener, but instead it was the Greeks who scored first. One of their strikers beat three Rovers and then managed to slip the ball past yours truly after a violent 1v1 that left both players worse for wear. We struggled to find our rhythm for the rest of the half.
In the second half, we came out more determined and soon equalized via Duane who had twice come close in the first half. The keeper saved Duane's first effort but he was able to poke in the rebound. Duane was later hacked down well inside the area, but the ref gave a free kick just outside the box from which we couldn't capitalize. Again though, our over-confidence perhaps got the better of us as we figured the game was ours. Instead it was the Greeks who took the lead for good on quick counter down the left. They always looked for that extra pass across goal rather than taking the lower percentage, narrow-angled shot at the near post. For both their second and third goals, this happened as the goal scorer ghosted in at the back stick to slot home. When it was 2-1, Marlon was unlucky to not equalize from close range, but he was denied by the sprawling Greek keeper.
Ours was not the only slip-up as Pele Masters drew 3-3 away to Silver Lake. To win the division, we'll need to beat Pele for a second time this season and in doing so avoid Dinamo in the first round of the playoffs. That said, the Kickers are no pushovers and whoever wins the league title will have to win two big matches.
Squad: Kevin, Robedinho, Will, Mo, Maurice, Marc, Jazzy, Pompey, Kendall, Duane, Stav, Marlon, Chivon
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
BRFC Ladies Bring 6 Points Home 5/3/09 by Nicolas
Lady Rovers 2 CPR Ladies White 0
Rovers 1 made do with pouring rain and a slippery ball to beat the Central Park Rangers White 2-0 in a high intensity game.
Goals by Louise Ostman and Abby Karpinski.
Special shout out to Shawn for having kept her goalie reflexes and made two superb saves - one which nearly cost her a couple of ribs - and to the one player who shall not be named but managed to clock 80 minutes of play reeking of tequila and vodka but without puking once.
R2D2 3 Fuel FC 1
On the other side of town, R2D2 produced one of its landmark solid performance to beat Fuel FC 3 to 1. The tally should have been hirer but the net proved a little elusive on the day.
Goals by Lindsay Nugent, Amy Fortunato and Darlene Estevez's shoulder (after being pushed by someone who was shoved by someone else).
For those who keep statistics, that's R2D2 11th win in a row.
Rovers 1 is off next weekend while R2D2 plays Appletown FC.
Nicolas
Rovers 1 made do with pouring rain and a slippery ball to beat the Central Park Rangers White 2-0 in a high intensity game.
Goals by Louise Ostman and Abby Karpinski.
Special shout out to Shawn for having kept her goalie reflexes and made two superb saves - one which nearly cost her a couple of ribs - and to the one player who shall not be named but managed to clock 80 minutes of play reeking of tequila and vodka but without puking once.
R2D2 3 Fuel FC 1
On the other side of town, R2D2 produced one of its landmark solid performance to beat Fuel FC 3 to 1. The tally should have been hirer but the net proved a little elusive on the day.
Goals by Lindsay Nugent, Amy Fortunato and Darlene Estevez's shoulder (after being pushed by someone who was shoved by someone else).
For those who keep statistics, that's R2D2 11th win in a row.
Rovers 1 is off next weekend while R2D2 plays Appletown FC.
Nicolas
BRFC Old Boys report 5/3/09 by Sheero
Tesoro – 3 Barnstonworth Old Boys – 3
Quite the rollercoaster ride for the Old Boys on Sunday, chasing the league leaders Tesoro. Twice digging ourselves out of a 2-goal hole to snatch a point in even more dramatic fashion than the 3 points we took from them back in March. Dishing up their first defeat back then was a 25-yard Bazza piledriver in the last couple of minutes to break their hearts. After this Sunday, they probably want to kill him…
Missing one or two key players, BOB took to a rainy Randall’s Island at 8am and by 8:05am we were 2-0 down. The first was a cross from the right that was inexcusably allowed to squirm under the keeper to leave an easy finish from close range. A couple of minutes later, Rocco made a rare error under pressure, trying to find a teammate at the top of the box, only managing to lay on a simple finish for the Tesoro striker. At this point I feared a morale-crushing massacre – we simply weren’t in the game, and Tesoro looked very threatening every time they came forward. But we roused ourselves and BOB slowly came to life and managed to apply some of our own pressure. At one point, we were camped in Tesoro’s half and forced 4 consecutive corners, but couldn’t quite find the finish despite testing the decidedly shaky keeper.
We eventually managed to half the deficit after a strong run into the box by Jeff, who was chopped down from behind. With everyone on the field bar the referee expecting the penalty call, the action paused. Jeff was first to realize the whistle wasn’t coming, jumped to his feet and sent a deflected ball towards the goal where Luxury was waiting to nod home from close range. The game really opened up and it was a coin-toss as to who would score next. Both keepers made the odd nervous mistake, but half-time arrived with the score still at 2-1. BOB’s half-time talk was positive – after a nightmarish start, we had fought our way back into the contest and had every right to believe we could get something out of it.
That belief quickly dissolved after about 2 minutes of the 2nd half when the referee awarded the most ridiculous penalty against us. As the ball came in from the left, the shot was miss-hit by the Tesoro striker while his teammate ran into Scooby. As they both fell to the turf, no one could believe that the ref blew for a penalty, the opposition scarcely believing their good fortune. Sheero guessed right, but the penalty kick was well-placed in the corner to make it 3-1.
The referee did well to ignore the insults hurled in his direction, and somehow no one got a yellow card. And after a few minutes of some collective sulking, we once again raised our game, and it became a very open and entertaining contest, with both teams threatening to score at any time. But our back line stayed strong and limited the clear opportunities. Meanwhile, up front we were giving the Tesoro defense plenty to think about with Josh & Steve and later Joel putting in a ton of effort to keep the pressure up. We were eventually rewarded when the referee decided it was time to award the mother of make-up calls. Obviously a student of the “2 wrongs make a right” school of thought, the referee gave us a penalty for an innocuous push on Josh, and being a huge fan of gift-horses, Bazza dispatched the kick (twice – idiot ref) to make it 3-2.
To be honest, at this point I would have been fairly content with this outcome – we’d battled well, but been beaten on the day because of some early mistakes. We did apply more pressure, but being the pessimistic bastard I am, I didn’t think we’d get back into it. Even as Bazza picked up the ball in the center circle, looked up to spot the keeper off his line, I didn’t think anything of it. Five seconds later the most perfectly placed 40-yard lob you are ever likely to see was scraping the underside of the bar as the keeper scrambled back helplessly, the ball nestling quietly in the back of the net.
Moments like these make 1 point feel like so much more – especially as it kept our hopes of the division title alive. If we meet Tesoro in the playoffs, Bazza will probably have a contract out on him.
Great battling effort by everyone…
BOB: Sheero, Rocco, Greg, Dominator, Macca, Billy, Bazza, Colin, Scooby, Jeff, Josh, Luxury, Joel.
Quite the rollercoaster ride for the Old Boys on Sunday, chasing the league leaders Tesoro. Twice digging ourselves out of a 2-goal hole to snatch a point in even more dramatic fashion than the 3 points we took from them back in March. Dishing up their first defeat back then was a 25-yard Bazza piledriver in the last couple of minutes to break their hearts. After this Sunday, they probably want to kill him…
Missing one or two key players, BOB took to a rainy Randall’s Island at 8am and by 8:05am we were 2-0 down. The first was a cross from the right that was inexcusably allowed to squirm under the keeper to leave an easy finish from close range. A couple of minutes later, Rocco made a rare error under pressure, trying to find a teammate at the top of the box, only managing to lay on a simple finish for the Tesoro striker. At this point I feared a morale-crushing massacre – we simply weren’t in the game, and Tesoro looked very threatening every time they came forward. But we roused ourselves and BOB slowly came to life and managed to apply some of our own pressure. At one point, we were camped in Tesoro’s half and forced 4 consecutive corners, but couldn’t quite find the finish despite testing the decidedly shaky keeper.
We eventually managed to half the deficit after a strong run into the box by Jeff, who was chopped down from behind. With everyone on the field bar the referee expecting the penalty call, the action paused. Jeff was first to realize the whistle wasn’t coming, jumped to his feet and sent a deflected ball towards the goal where Luxury was waiting to nod home from close range. The game really opened up and it was a coin-toss as to who would score next. Both keepers made the odd nervous mistake, but half-time arrived with the score still at 2-1. BOB’s half-time talk was positive – after a nightmarish start, we had fought our way back into the contest and had every right to believe we could get something out of it.
That belief quickly dissolved after about 2 minutes of the 2nd half when the referee awarded the most ridiculous penalty against us. As the ball came in from the left, the shot was miss-hit by the Tesoro striker while his teammate ran into Scooby. As they both fell to the turf, no one could believe that the ref blew for a penalty, the opposition scarcely believing their good fortune. Sheero guessed right, but the penalty kick was well-placed in the corner to make it 3-1.
The referee did well to ignore the insults hurled in his direction, and somehow no one got a yellow card. And after a few minutes of some collective sulking, we once again raised our game, and it became a very open and entertaining contest, with both teams threatening to score at any time. But our back line stayed strong and limited the clear opportunities. Meanwhile, up front we were giving the Tesoro defense plenty to think about with Josh & Steve and later Joel putting in a ton of effort to keep the pressure up. We were eventually rewarded when the referee decided it was time to award the mother of make-up calls. Obviously a student of the “2 wrongs make a right” school of thought, the referee gave us a penalty for an innocuous push on Josh, and being a huge fan of gift-horses, Bazza dispatched the kick (twice – idiot ref) to make it 3-2.
To be honest, at this point I would have been fairly content with this outcome – we’d battled well, but been beaten on the day because of some early mistakes. We did apply more pressure, but being the pessimistic bastard I am, I didn’t think we’d get back into it. Even as Bazza picked up the ball in the center circle, looked up to spot the keeper off his line, I didn’t think anything of it. Five seconds later the most perfectly placed 40-yard lob you are ever likely to see was scraping the underside of the bar as the keeper scrambled back helplessly, the ball nestling quietly in the back of the net.
Moments like these make 1 point feel like so much more – especially as it kept our hopes of the division title alive. If we meet Tesoro in the playoffs, Bazza will probably have a contract out on him.
Great battling effort by everyone…
BOB: Sheero, Rocco, Greg, Dominator, Macca, Billy, Bazza, Colin, Scooby, Jeff, Josh, Luxury, Joel.
Premier o30's Match Report 5/3/09 by Kevin O'Donovan
Barnstonworth o'30s Premier 6 Brooklyn Italians 0
Nedgy Nazon 55' ; Peter Best 60'; Marlon Johnson 65', 68'; Chivon Thornhill 75' 85'
We started 20 minutes late so the ref gave us a 25 minute first half on his running clock. The Italians started with 9 men, while we had the full complement with subs to spare. 0-0 at the half. In the second half with the Brooklyns now at full strength, we lit them up for six. Go figure.
After Marc berated the team at halftime, we came out firing on all cylinders. Will's long clearance led to a midfield melee when Marlon arrived on the scene to deliver a reducer of a tackle on some bulky, bald opponent. Pompey picked up the loose ball, released Nedge who finished far post. The next one came from the center of midfield with either Stav or Pompey freeing Kendall down the right. He crossed to Peter who controlled with his chest, held off his defender and scored our second of the day. Marlon got the third and fourth goals. The third came again down the right side and was an assist from Nedgy who crossed to Marlon and he finished from close range. For the fourth, Marlon found himself free at the edge of the area and unleashed a worm-burner leaving the keeper helpless. With Nedgy on the sidelines in flip-flops, Chivon let it be known that no striker's place in the lineup is safe. His first, the teams fifth, came again from the right side, ending with a clinical finish to the far post. The final goal of the match came from Stav long ball across the middle to Chiv. The defender was a step late and Chiv made no mistake.
I should also point out that this ref, after it was 4-0, gave a Brooklyn Italian player a red card and less than 10 seconds later called the game. Not sure exactly what happened to precipitate his decision, but then a miracle occurred. Stav and others convinced the ref to rescind two red cards (I believe there was a second red during the early discussions) and resume the match. Consequently, we scored two more goals.
In the process, we have now clinched a playoff berth. To win the South division outright and avoid Dinamo in the first round, we'll have to win out, since Pele have the goal difference edge.
Squad: Kevin, Robedinho, Will, Mo, Maurice, Peter, Jazzy, Pompey, Kendall, Duane, Stav, Adrian, Nedgy, Marlon, Chivon
Nedgy Nazon 55' ; Peter Best 60'; Marlon Johnson 65', 68'; Chivon Thornhill 75' 85'
We started 20 minutes late so the ref gave us a 25 minute first half on his running clock. The Italians started with 9 men, while we had the full complement with subs to spare. 0-0 at the half. In the second half with the Brooklyns now at full strength, we lit them up for six. Go figure.
After Marc berated the team at halftime, we came out firing on all cylinders. Will's long clearance led to a midfield melee when Marlon arrived on the scene to deliver a reducer of a tackle on some bulky, bald opponent. Pompey picked up the loose ball, released Nedge who finished far post. The next one came from the center of midfield with either Stav or Pompey freeing Kendall down the right. He crossed to Peter who controlled with his chest, held off his defender and scored our second of the day. Marlon got the third and fourth goals. The third came again down the right side and was an assist from Nedgy who crossed to Marlon and he finished from close range. For the fourth, Marlon found himself free at the edge of the area and unleashed a worm-burner leaving the keeper helpless. With Nedgy on the sidelines in flip-flops, Chivon let it be known that no striker's place in the lineup is safe. His first, the teams fifth, came again from the right side, ending with a clinical finish to the far post. The final goal of the match came from Stav long ball across the middle to Chiv. The defender was a step late and Chiv made no mistake.
I should also point out that this ref, after it was 4-0, gave a Brooklyn Italian player a red card and less than 10 seconds later called the game. Not sure exactly what happened to precipitate his decision, but then a miracle occurred. Stav and others convinced the ref to rescind two red cards (I believe there was a second red during the early discussions) and resume the match. Consequently, we scored two more goals.
In the process, we have now clinched a playoff berth. To win the South division outright and avoid Dinamo in the first round, we'll have to win out, since Pele have the goal difference edge.
Squad: Kevin, Robedinho, Will, Mo, Maurice, Peter, Jazzy, Pompey, Kendall, Duane, Stav, Adrian, Nedgy, Marlon, Chivon
Result: BRFC 3rds - 5/3/09
Barnstonworth Rovers 3rds 6 vs. United Rocklanders 1
Completing a great weekend for the Rovers, the Metro side won its second in a row.
Completing a great weekend for the Rovers, the Metro side won its second in a row.
BRFC Over 30s Result 5/3/09 by Patrick Wisnom
BRFC o'30s 2 Guyana Vets A 1
Sparked by the return of their top scorer and former coach, the Barnstonworth Over 30’s won Sunday 2-1, all but assuring their place in the prestigious Over 30 First Division next season. Unfortunately, due to injuries and absences, that same top scorer would be relegated to playing as the emergency goalkeeper so goal scoring would have to come from the rest of the team.
It nearly went pair shaped from the start when Rovers failed to keep possession in their own third and ultimately gave the ball away to a crafty group of forwards (lets be honest, the entire team was made up of forwards which means they don’t get back and are easy to get chances on but can be dangerous given space in the attacking third) who quickly attacked the goal and finished low and into the corner. The one time regular keeper failed to get both hands down quickly and the ball deflected of his single hand and into the goal.
For the next 45 minutes of the game the Rovers missed about 3,459 chances in the box and were lucky to avoid two near penalties that could have been called (but weren’t) against their fleet footed right back. Thankfully Ben Taverner, our defender come midfielder was able to pass in a rebound on a well taken shot from Paul and moments later Jason finished well with his left foot from the top of the box to secure the points. It should be noted that this was Jason’s 3,253rd attempt at goal in the game and having missed far easier chances, he made no mistake with this well taken strike. With eight minutest to play, the game deteriorated into the other team yelling at the ref and having a man sent off.
Glory to Rovers and now with two matches left they can look ahead to next season where they will have the chance to compete for what every young boy dreams about…Over 30 Cosmopolitan First Division glory!
Squad: Paul, Jason, Nick, Sven, Olli, Mike Alexander, Roger, Zee, Brandon, Martino, Alex, Wisnom, Ben Taverner
Sparked by the return of their top scorer and former coach, the Barnstonworth Over 30’s won Sunday 2-1, all but assuring their place in the prestigious Over 30 First Division next season. Unfortunately, due to injuries and absences, that same top scorer would be relegated to playing as the emergency goalkeeper so goal scoring would have to come from the rest of the team.
It nearly went pair shaped from the start when Rovers failed to keep possession in their own third and ultimately gave the ball away to a crafty group of forwards (lets be honest, the entire team was made up of forwards which means they don’t get back and are easy to get chances on but can be dangerous given space in the attacking third) who quickly attacked the goal and finished low and into the corner. The one time regular keeper failed to get both hands down quickly and the ball deflected of his single hand and into the goal.
For the next 45 minutes of the game the Rovers missed about 3,459 chances in the box and were lucky to avoid two near penalties that could have been called (but weren’t) against their fleet footed right back. Thankfully Ben Taverner, our defender come midfielder was able to pass in a rebound on a well taken shot from Paul and moments later Jason finished well with his left foot from the top of the box to secure the points. It should be noted that this was Jason’s 3,253rd attempt at goal in the game and having missed far easier chances, he made no mistake with this well taken strike. With eight minutest to play, the game deteriorated into the other team yelling at the ref and having a man sent off.
Glory to Rovers and now with two matches left they can look ahead to next season where they will have the chance to compete for what every young boy dreams about…Over 30 Cosmopolitan First Division glory!
Squad: Paul, Jason, Nick, Sven, Olli, Mike Alexander, Roger, Zee, Brandon, Martino, Alex, Wisnom, Ben Taverner
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